What Are Four Reasons We Study Government?

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According to the University of Texas at Arlington, U.S. citizens study government to become informed voters, to understand their Constitutional rights, to know their responsibilities under the law and to think about how processes can be improved to benefit society. Students typically start learning about the government in elementary school.

In a democracy like the United States, all citizens have an equal right to participate in politics, and many do so by voting in elections. It is important for voters to be informed about the issues and candidates that affect their everyday lives. Learning about government provides a foundation for making informed choices in elections. Some forms of government don’t give a voice to citizens. For instance, in a monarchy, power is held by one person. In an oligarchy, a small number of people govern.